No matter the path, National University always finds its way back to the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Finals.
That has been the case over the past 11 seasons, with the Bulldogs capturing seven championships during that stretch, including the last five consecutive titles.
In Season 88, however, NU showed uncharacteristic inconsistency in the elimination round despite finishing with a 10-4 record — a mark that falls below the standard the program has set in recent years.
Still, the Bulldogs clawed their way back to familiar ground and delivered a thrilling 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8 victory over the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, moving one win away from yet another crown.
For Jade Disquitado and Leo Ordiales, it all comes down to the system — and the experience of being in these high-pressure moments — that has made NU tougher to break on the biggest stage.
“Yung experience, siyempre mas marami kaming experience. So mas nagagamit namin yung experience namin, kasi hindi na kami natatakot sa mga ganyang sitwasyon, parang normal na araw lang sa amin,” said Disquitado.
“Pagka Finals na kasi yung mindset namin, kumbaga ito na yung pinakadulo ng season. Kaya siguro ang mindset namin is wala nang excuse, talagang all-out kung all-out, kasi kumbaga… Ito na yung pinaghandaan namin ng isang taon, kaya talagang chine-cherish namin yung moment,” added Ordiales.
Ordiales powered NU’s three-headed scoring attack with 22 points built on 20 attacks and two blocks. Meanwhile, Disquitado chipped in 21 points, alongside 20 receptions and nine digs.
Michaelo Buddin also contributed 20 points on 17 spikes and three aces, while adding 18 excellent receptions and seven digs. Middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Obed Mukaba added 12 and nine points, respectively.
The experience of Ordiales, Disquitado, Buddin, and Taguibolos extends beyond the UAAP, as they were also part of the Alas Pilipinas squad that competed in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
“Siguro, kapag natatalo kami ng set, iniisip lang namin ay tiwala pa rin sa sistema. Kasi nakita naman nung second set na sinunod namin yung sistema and less error kami, nanalo kami. Inisip lang namin na balik lang doon, stay focused lang para makapag-isip kami nang maayos at makuha namin ’yon,” said Ordiales.
NU now looks to close out the series on Saturday at 12:00 PM at the same venue, while FEU aims to force a do-or-die Game 3.
For Disquitado, one win is not yet enough, especially with the finish line already in sight.
“Masaya, siyempre, nanalo. Sa susunod na game, siguro mas paghahandaan pa namin kasi nakita namin yung mga pagkakamali namin ngayon. Ngayon may chance kami na itama yun sa ensayo para pagdating ng Game 2, mas maganda na yung galaw namin.”
